U.N. inspectors confirm Syria chemical attack

A convoy of inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons prepares to cross into Syria at the Lebanese border crossing point of Masnaa, eastern Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2013.
(Photo: Bilal Hussein, AP)

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.N inspectors say chemical weapons have been used in the Syrian conflict, definitely in a widely publicized Aug. 21 attack near Damascus and probably in four other locations between March and late August.

The report by U.N. chemical weapons experts led by Swedish professor Ake Sellstrom did not determine whether the government or opposition were responsible for the alleged attacks.

Sellstrom issued an initial report on Sept. 16 which concluded that evidence collected in the Ghouta area of Damascus following an Aug. 21 attack provided "clear and convincing evidence that surface-to-surface rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used." Graphic video footage showed dozens of people gasping for air and bodies lined up.

Thursday's report said evidence indicated chemical weapons were also probably used in Khan al Assal, Jobar, Saraqueb and Ashrafiah Sahnaya.

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